In the future with a card and smartphone on the bus: test run starts in Friedrichshafen!

In the future with a card and smartphone on the bus: test run starts in Friedrichshafen!

A revolutionary step in the bodo transport association: From Monday, November 25th, passengers on bus route 7587 between Friedrichshafen and Kressbronn will be able to pay the bus driver with a bank card, credit card or smartphone for the first time! Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH (RAB) is starting a test operation that will last around six weeks and enables payment with modern payment methods - a real innovation for local public transport!

“Instead of coins or notes, just pull out a card or smartphone!” explains project manager Jessica Matt enthusiastically. Passengers are invited to try out this new payment method. Simply ask for card payment when purchasing a ticket, hold the card or mobile phone up to the sensor and you will receive the ticket and a booking receipt. But be careful: During the test phase, you should also have some change with you to be on the safe side, because card payments rely on a stable mobile network - there is no long-term experience here yet!

Important information about the test phase

A crucial point: When paying with a card or smartphone, the usual 30 percent discount that you know from the bodo eCard does not apply. This works differently in that it is held up to a reader when getting in and out and serves as a credit card with subsequent price calculation. The new digital payment option is an exciting step into the future of local transport that is intended to offer passengers more flexibility and convenience.